A working prototype of the Nissan BladeGlider has been unveiled in Rio de Janiero ahead of the Olympics later this week.
This latest iteration of the BladeGlider is based on the concept car that was unveiled at the 2013 Tokyo motor show.
The 2016 BladeGlider has a redesigned body with an open roof design and a new integrated roll-over protection structure. It also features rear-hinged doors, and persists with the original’s narrow front track, wider rear track layout.
Inside, the BladeGlider has three racing-style bucket seats with four-point safety harnesses. The seats are staggered in an “arrowhead configuration” similar to that of the McLaren F1.
In front of the driver is a Formula One-style steering wheel with a built-in multi-function display. Flanking the steering wheel and instrument panel are displays for cameras that are integrated into the front fenders.
The 2016 BladeGlider prototype has a drivetrain developed by Williams Advanced Engineering featuring two 130kW electric motors, one for each rear wheel. Together they deliver a total system output of 200kW of power and 707Nm of torque.
That’s enough to allow the 1300kg vehicle to complete the 0-100km/h dash in under five seconds and hit a top speed in excess of 190km/h.
To quell understeer and improve handling, the BladeGlider is also fitted with a torque vectoring system. There are three modes for the prototype’s torque vectoring setup: off, agile and drift.
We know that the BladeGlider has five-module lithium-ion 220kW battery pack, but Nissan has not provided a range estimate for the prototype.
The BladeGlider sits on a 2.8m wheelbase, and measures 4.3m long, 1.3m tall and 1.85m wide.
There are two BladeGlider prototypes in Rio right now: one will go on static display, while the other will be giving rides to VIPs and journalists.
- Derek Fung, caradvice.com.au